Final answer:
The debate over George's decision to shoot Lennie in 'Of Mice and Men' revolves around complex moral and ethical considerations, similar to other literature scenarios like the Heinz dilemma.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether George did the right thing by shooting Lennie is a deeply complex one with moral and ethical dimensions, reflective of the themes in John Steinbeck's novel, 'Of Mice and Men.' The act can be seen as merciful in the context of the narrative, as Lennie was likely to face a cruel death at the hands of a mob or the legal system for his unintentional acts of violence. On the other hand, one could argue for the sanctity of life and the possibility of alternatives, such as fleeing or seeking legal mercy, hence considering George's act as wrong. This dilemma is akin to other moral quandaries posed by literature and real-life scenarios, like the situation of Heinz stealing medicine for his dying wife, or Editha facing the consequences of her ideals after George is killed in war.